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Bhutan’s King Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck’s visit to India is expected to strengthen the close ties and deepen cooperation between the two nations. Discussions will focus on Bhutan’s relations with China and India’s security concerns
Bhutan’s King Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck arrived in India for a three-day visit, where discussions are expected to focus on a range of issues, including Bhutan’s relations with China and India’s security concerns. India is likely to emphasize the importance of continued negotiations with Beijing to settle boundary disputes while also taking into account India’s security interests.
India warmly welcomes Bhutan’s King, underscores unique partnership
The Indian government accorded a warm welcome to the Bhutan’s King Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck, with External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar personally receiving him at the airport. This move is seen as a gesture to underscore the unique relations between the two nations. After receiving the Bhutan’s King at the airport, External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar expressed his appreciation for the King’s vision for Bhutan’s future and for strengthening the unique partnership between Bhutan and India.
Bhutanese PM’s Doklam remarks spark controversy in Delhi, clarifies position
The visit comes amidst controversy sparked by Bhutanese Prime Minister Lotay Tshering’s recent Doklam remarks. He stated in an interview with the Belgian Daily La Libre that resolving the border dispute between India, Bhutan, and China cannot be accomplished by Bhutan alone. He emphasised that all three countries are equal partners and must work together to find a solution. Tshering expressed optimism about resolving territorial disputes with China, stating that the demarcation of territories could be completed in the next “one or two meetings.” Many in Delhi saw this remark as giving an upper hand to Beijing.
In response to the controversy, Tshering recently clarified to The Bhutanese Newspaper that he had said nothing new and that there is no change in Bhutan’s position.
India-Bhutan relationship built on trust and assistance in development
The relationship between India and Bhutan is unlike any other and has been nurtured over time through a strong tradition of regular high-level visits. In August 2019, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi visited Bhutan to strengthen bilateral ties between the two countries. In 2019, External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar also visited Bhutan, followed by another visit in April 2022. In January 2024, Foreign Secretary Vinay Mohan Kwatra visited Bhutan to continue the close dialogue between the two nations.
Meanwhile, the Bhutanese Prime Minister visited India in 2018 and 2019, while the Bhutanese Foreign Minister made a visit to India in 2019. Additionally, the Bhutanese Foreign Secretary visited India in August 2022. New Delhi believes that this tradition is crucial for sustaining and strengthening the unique partnership between the two countries, and should be continued in the future.
Bhutanese King’s visit to India seen as an opportunity to deepen strategic ties
India has been a long-standing partner in Bhutan’s development journey and has provided significant assistance in various areas of development. The two countries share a special and unique relationship that has been built on mutual trust and respect.
In the area of infrastructure development, India has played a crucial role in the development of Bhutan’s hydropower sector, which is the backbone of Bhutan’s economy. India has also provided assistance in the construction of roads, airports, and telecommunications infrastructure, which has helped improve connectivity within Bhutan.
In the field of education, India has provided scholarships to Bhutanese students to study in India and has also collaborated with Bhutan in the field of medical research. India has also helped build institutional capacity in Bhutan by providing training and technical assistance to Bhutanese officials.
India and Bhutan’s shared history, culture, and values strengthen their special relationship
Overall, India’s assistance has been a significant factor in Bhutan’s economic and social development. The special relationship between the two countries is rooted in their shared history, culture, and values, and is a reflection of the close ties that exist between the two countries.
This visit of Bhutan’s King Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck to India is expected to further strengthen the close ties between the two countries and deepen cooperation in various areas of mutual interest.
